ILHAA Urges City Council to reject hemp ban ordinance

The Illinois Healthy Alternatives Association is calling on Chicago City Council members to work with the industry to regulate hemp products instead of opting for the proposed outright ban of the products.

The Chicago City Council Committee on License and Consumer Protection will consider a measure to completely ban hemp sales in the City. Specifically, the ordinance would prohibit licensees, and their agents would be banned from possessing, selling, or distributing any hemp-derived cannabinoid products on licensed premises. Violations can result in fines ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 per offense, with each day constituting a separate offense and may lead to the suspension or revocation of the business license in accordance with city regulations.

“We all agree we need to establish responsible regulations to ensure these products do not end up in the hands of minors,” said Craig Katz, President of the Board, Illinois Healthy Alternatives Association. “Our members are working at the state and federal level to establish a regulatory framework to protect minors and to ensure product safety. We can accomplish these goals while at the same time allowing our members to continue to provide their customers with the healthy alternatives they need. We stand ready to work with the City Council on real solutions.”

Katz said it is important for hemp retailers and their customers to attend the Committee hearing at 1 pm on Dec. 3rd at 201A, 2nd Floor of City Hall, located at 121 North LaSalle Street in Chicago.

“We need the people in our industry to show up and respectfully voice their opposition to a total ban,” Katz said. “It is imperative we send the message that our industry stands ready to support reforms and regulations and will work with the City Council to protect kids.”

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Illinois Healthy Alternatives Association (ILHAA) and others in the legal hemp industry are working for responsible regulation to protect consumers, their pets, and small businesses. Learn more by logging onto https://ilhaa.org/.